On the twenty-second day of the eleventh month of the first year of Jingxuan, the Emperor issued an edict halting the impeachment of Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs Gu Qin by the Censorate, transferring Censor Qiao Bo to serve as Palace Secretary of Bianzhou. On the twenty-fifth day, Left Assistant Director of the Department of State Affairs Zhou Bi was appointed as Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and concurrently Vice Director of the Secretariat.
Ten days later, Meng Tinghui was appointed as Supervising Secretary and Associate Commissioner of the Privy Council.
On the ninth day of the twelfth month, Di Nian was appointed as Grand Master for Proper Service, General of the Left Guard of the Palace Gates, and Commander of the Imperial Guards Cavalry in the Palace Guard. He was dispatched to the northern frontier to reorganize the military strongholds of the Imperial Army in the Chaoan, Jiankang, and Linhuai circuits. Chaoan North Circuit Transportation Commissioner Shen Zhishu accompanied him on the journey.
·
As the year drew to a close, the capital grew exceptionally cold.
After the snowfall at the beginning of the month, the imperial city was blanketed in an endless expanse of white. In some places, the snow was knee-deep, and even the heated halls and pavilions felt icy.
At noon, the sun finally emerged, casting a warm glow on the window frames.
Meng Tinghui sat alone in her room, nestled against a slanted desk by the window where the sunlight reached. She leisurely sorted through documents from the Ministry of Personnel’s Bureau of Appointments.
Although the imperial decree had been issued over ten days ago, her previous task of transferring officials to the Chaoan North Circuit Transportation Office and Pacification Office remained unfinished. Unwilling to leave it to her successors, and seeing that neither the Privy Council nor the Emperor was pressing her, she decided to handle these miscellaneous matters herself, planning to formally assume her new position after the New Year’s Grand Court Assembly.
The winter sun was a rare luxury, its rays filtering through the window frames and enveloping her, gilding her eyelashes like the fragile wings of a golden butterfly, as if they might break with the slightest movement.
The scene was serene and comforting. If only life could continue like this, it would be perfect.
She propped her chin on her hand, leaning on the desk, and drifted into a light doze, lost in thought.
Di Nian had left the capital on imperial orders, and Shen Zhishu had taken the opportunity to return to Chaoan. With Shen Zhili likely having little to do, Meng Tinghui thought she might as well invite her out to enjoy the snow and have some fun, while also inquiring about the current state of Shen and Di’s relationship.
Just as she was comfortably dozing off, hurried footsteps echoed outside. She opened her eyes to see a minor official from the Bureau of Evaluation and bowed slightly, asking, “What is it?”
“Lady Meng,” the official greeted her respectfully before stepping closer and presenting two documents. “I was on my way to deliver a memorandum from the Secretariat regarding appointments to the Academy when I happened to meet someone from the Privy Council. They said there was a report from the north for your review, so I brought it along.”
Although she was not scheduled to formally assume her new position until after the New Year, the Privy Council had been sending her copies of important documents during this period, and the Ministry of Personnel officials had grown accustomed to it.
Meng Tinghui reached out and took the documents. Without a second thought, she opened the report from the Privy Council first. After scanning it quickly, she instinctively frowned.
The Northern Frontier had sent an envoy to the court with tribute, requesting an audience with the Emperor at the New Year’s Grand Court Assembly.
She lowered her gaze, recalling that no one had mentioned this during the morning court session. It seemed the Secretariat was still unaware, and the Privy Council must have only recently received the report.
But what was the Northern Frontier’s intention?
Last year, when the Emperor ascended the throne, the court sent envoys to inform all vassal states and circuits. The Northern Frontier had merely sent a congratulatory letter. At the beginning of this year, when the era name was changed, the Northern Frontier not only failed to send an envoy to the New Year’s Grand Court Assembly with congratulations but also claimed a reduction in annual tribute by nearly fifty thousand bolts of silk. So why were they suddenly sending an envoy to congratulate the court for next year’s New Year’s Grand Court Assembly?
Could it be that, like the year the Emperor was still Crown Prince, they were sending an envoy to propose a marriage alliance?She lifted her eyes and scanned the report once more, suddenly feeling her own thoughts were rather absurd. Even if the Northern Frontier had such intentions, they would not have the audacity to actively send envoys again after being rejected once.
Could it be due to the court’s recent activities in the north?
Otherwise, there would be no reason for the Northern Frontier to dispatch envoys to the court just as Di Nian had arrived at the northern border to reorganize the military affairs of the three routes’ strongholds. What did they intend to discuss when seeking an audience with the Emperor during the grand New Year’s court assembly?
Unable to reach a conclusion after prolonged contemplation, she turned her attention to the memorandum sent by the Secretariat.
At a glance, it surprised her even more than the earlier report from the Privy Council.
Although the clerk had mentioned it was an appointment to an academic post, she had not expected it to be a memorandum from the Secretariat proposing Yin Qing’s appointment to the Hall of Historical Records.
Had she not seen this memorandum, she might have nearly forgotten about Yin Qing.
Yet, since he passed the imperial examinations, he had only served as a registrar in the Court of the Imperial Treasury for a little over half a year. How did he manage to leap directly to the position of a compiler in the Hall of Historical Records? Moreover, it was an appointment directly made by the Secretariat!
Meng Tinghui’s expression shifted slightly as she asked the clerk, “Do you know which minister proposed this?”
The clerk replied honestly, “It is said that Imperial Academician Fang Huai recognized his talent and requested Chancellor Gu to assign him to the Hall of Historical Records.”
Hearing this, her brow relaxed somewhat.
So it was Fang Huai’s appreciation for talent at work. In that case, it was only natural for Gu Qin to grant his request. Although academic posts were prestigious, the three imperial academies were genuine centers of scholarship, and the position of compiler in the Hall of Historical Records was not particularly high in rank. Why would Gu Qin refuse Fang Huai over such a matter?
However, Gu Qin’s decision had disrupted her original plans.
She had intended to let Yin Qing remain in the Court of the Imperial Treasury for a year or so before finding a pretext to assign him to a prefecture in Chao’an, far from the capital’s political arena. Who would have thought he would be recognized by Fang Huai so quickly?
Ah, well…
She sighed inwardly. True talent could never remain hidden, especially since Yin Qing had once been renowned for his scholarly abilities. She could hardly blame Gu Qin or Fang Huai for this.
The clerk, seeing that she had reviewed two memorandums and remained silent for a long time, grew somewhat uneasy and called out, “Your Excellency?”
Meng Tinghui stood up. “It’s nothing. You may leave.” After the clerk departed, she put away the memorandums, draped her outer cloak over her shoulders, and stepped out of the room.
Yin Qing’s situation was not significant enough to hold her attention. The most pressing matter at hand was the arrival of the Northern Frontier envoys. Their timing, right before the grand New Year’s court assembly, unsettled her original plan to postpone her own reassignment until after the New Year.
Given the circumstances, it would be wiser to swiftly conclude her current tasks and familiarize herself with affairs at the Privy Council.
·
Snow blanketed the view, and the Zhaowen Academy in the eastern part of the imperial city was equally desolate.
Night was approaching, and the academy was nearly empty. The inner chambers were dimly lit, with faint beams of dust visible dancing in the sparse light.
Yin Qing was alone, buried among towering wooden bookshelves, meticulously sorting through volumes of records thick with dust.
Holding a small lamp in one hand, he carefully brushed the dust off the scrolls with the other, using his fingers to flip through the pages one by one, scanning them rapidly.
The historical records were vast and the miscellaneous chapters numerous. After what felt like an eternity, his movements suddenly paused.
In the faint glow, a slight furrow appeared between his refined brows.
The opened volume resembled a deep, dark well, drawing his gaze entirely into its depths."...On the twentieth day of the twelfth month in the thirteenth year of Dali, General Zhenyun and Northern Front Army Commander Xie Mingyuan captured Wuzhou, beheading over ten thousand and capturing dozens of Zhongwan officials including the Chief of the Privy Council and frontline officers... On the twenty-first, Zhongwan Emperor Meng Yu surrendered... On the twenty-third, the Emperor visited Wuzhou, ordering officials and officers to feast, rewarding the armies accordingly... The Emperor received Meng Yu at Chongyuan Hall, where Meng knelt and presented the surrender document. After the courtier finished reading it, Meng and his followers prostrated in submission... They bowed repeatedly, hailing 'Long live the Emperor,' leading surrendered officials in congratulations, after which the Emperor feasted them at Daming Hall..."
Though these were events from a previous dynasty described in mere fragments, he could still discern from these lines how formidable that man had been - what extraordinary methods must one possess to make another nation's ruler prostrate at his feet?
"...On the twenty-fifth day of the first month in the fourteenth year of Dali, the Emperor hosted an archery banquet at Yujin Garden, entertaining Meng Yu there. He appointed Meng Yu as Director of the Imperial Secretariat and Duke Qin of State, with Meng's family and officials receiving various titles... That night, Meng Yu passed away..."
Yin Qing snapped the volume shut, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Though long familiar with these events, reading them now still left him unsettled.
The death of a surrendered monarch was summarized in just five brief characters - what bloody truth lay concealed behind them remained unknown to later generations.
Holding the lamp closer, Yin Qing turned the following pages more rapidly, though his fingers trembled slightly.
What he sought naturally went beyond these surface accounts.
"...On the third day of the eleventh month in the third year of Qiande, the Emperor posthumously granted titles to Meng Yu's sons Meng Hao and Meng Bo, and brothers Meng Jue and Meng Pu, relocating the four dukes and their families to Zhuzhou in the new capital with respective residences... At that time, Meng Hao's wife had passed away and children were lost, Meng Bo remained unmarried, while Meng Jue and Meng Pu's sons were too young to understand affairs; Prince Ping arranged marriages for Hao and Bo, and brought Jue and Pu's sons to the palace for presentation. All ministers praised Prince Ping's kindness, and the Emperor greatly approved..."
"...On the seventh day of the third month in the sixth year of Qiande, Duke Zheng of State Meng Hao welcomed a daughter. The Emperor personally visited his residence, conferring upon the girl the title of County Mistress Qingtu. The entire Meng household kowtowed in gratitude, hosting an evening banquet for officials. During the feast, some ministers jested that the girl was born into nobility and would surely enjoy great fortune when grown. Meng Hao smiled but declined such remarks. Hearing this, the Emperor had the child brought for another look, quite taken with her delicate features. He jokingly told Meng Hao he wished to make her the Crown Princess. All present took it seriously, and Meng Hao requested the Emperor name his daughter. However, Prince Ping not being present, the Emperor grew displeased at lingering and soon returned to the palace..."
"...On the twenty-second day of the tenth month in the sixth year of Qiande, an Imperial City Guard officer presented calligraphy by Duke Zheng of State Meng Hao and Duke Han of State Meng Jue to the court, containing phrases yearning for their lost kingdom and aspiring restoration. Ministers who saw it were aghast and speechless... The Emperor rose in fury, ordering authorities to arrest Hao and Jue..."
"...On the twenty-sixth day of the tenth month, Prince Ping declared the four Meng dukes still harbored rebellious intentions, nearly exterminating their entire families. Their crimes were publicly announced throughout the empire, terrifying all who heard..."
Yin Qing kept rubbing the yellowed pages, slowly closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
Only tonight did he learn how the historical compilers had recorded these events... He wondered what those involved had truly thought back then? Had anyone entertained doubts?
Prince Ping, Prince Ping... truly living up to his lifelong reputation for ruthlessness.
First showing kindness then delivering death, framing the four dukes with treason - all to eradicate the Meng bloodline, leaving potential rebels without justification while preserving the Emperor's benevolent reputation completely untarnished.He opened his eyes and, by the faint light of the nearly extinguished lamp, swiftly scanned the final passages once more.
Had it been the current Emperor, would the outcome have been the same?
He shook his head with a soft sigh. Though curious, it was unnecessary to know.
His purpose in sifting through this room full of historical records tonight was merely to confirm once again.
To verify whether what he had known since childhood was true; to examine whether the preparations he had made over all these years were correct.
On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month in the first year of Jingxuan, three days before the grand New Year’s court assembly, envoys from the Northern Frontier arrived at the capital’s guesthouse and presented a state missive before the Two Councils, requesting an audience with the Emperor. The Emperor then dispatched officials to welcome and host them at the guesthouse, deciding that the contents of the letter would be discussed during the court assembly.
The outer court remained unaware of what the Northern Frontier envoys’ letter contained, awaiting the grand assembly for clarification. Yet within the Two Councils, waves of turmoil had already begun to stir over the matter.
Winter nights fell early. Before the hour of You, shadows had already draped across the imperial city, while distant gray clouds against the sky made the vast expanse of snow appear even more desolate and cold.
Meng Tinghui, wrapped in a thick fur cloak, trudged through the snow from the east, following a young eunuch who carried a chest of books for her as they entered the gates of the Privy Council.
Inside, the warmth was overwhelming, instantly melting the tiny snowflakes clinging to her cheeks, making them glow with a crystalline rosy hue.
As she removed her cloak, she casually brushed her face and walked over, offering a slight smile to the several men in the room. She greeted each in turn before instructing the young eunuch to place the book chest on a nearby table.
Over the past half-month, she had frequently visited the Privy Council. Having become familiar with the veteran officials working there, she had gained a basic understanding of the Council’s affairs. Today, she had officially concluded her miscellaneous duties at the Ministry of Personnel and brought along her usual books, ink, brushes, and papers.
Jiang Ping sat with his arms crossed in the innermost part of the room, watching intently as the young eunuch unpacked the contents of the large book chest. A mocking smile surfaced on his face, creasing the corners of his mouth. He loudly remarked to those around him, “I say, those who’ve passed the imperial exams are truly different from us.”
Fang Kai turned at the comment, glanced over, and raised a bushy eyebrow. “How dare you speak so recklessly! Three days ago, the Emperor sent orders requesting dozens of military documents from past years concerning the northern border. Without her assistance, could your Vice Chiefs have transcribed and compiled them into volumes in half a day?”
Meng Tinghui merely pressed her lips into a smile, set aside her belongings, dismissed the young eunuch, and approached to bow once more to Fang and Jiang. “General Fang makes it impossible for this humble official to offer help in the future. How could the military achievements and leadership of you two generals, honed in battle, ever be compared to my trivial literary efforts? General Jiang’s words truly shame me.”
Although she and Jiang Ping both held positions in the Privy Council, her official rank was only a fourth-grade Chief Minister. Even if she had been promoted to this high position in the Council, she dared not show the slightest disrespect to Jiang Ping, who held the rank of a second-grade General.
Jiang Ping beamed at her words, slapping the corner of the table beside him. “Come over here, girl!”
Fang Kai’s eyebrow twitched, and he was about to speak when he heard several Deputy Chiefs and Vice Chiefs of the Privy Council, who were organizing military documents nearby, stifling their laughter. He couldn’t help but find it amusing himself but forced a stern expression as he scolded Jiang Ping in a low voice, “She is here by the Emperor’s decree to oversee matters in the Privy Council. Among civil officials of the two upper ranks, who would tolerate such disrespect from you? Do you still think this Council is your old military camp?”Jiang Ping impatiently wrinkled his brow at him. "What's it to you? My youngest daughter is still three years older than her—what's wrong with me calling her 'lass'?"
The circle of men were already doubled over with laughter. Some younger officers took the opportunity to wink at Meng Tinghui, afraid she might take offense due to thin-skinned pride.
Yet Meng Tinghui's expression remained completely unchanged, a smile playing on her lips as she walked over.
She simply felt that the Hall of State Affairs and Privy Council were like realms of ice and fire, and these straightforward, blunt-tempered military officials suited her disposition perfectly—why would she be offended?
Only when she approached did Jiang Ping pick up a thick memorial from the table and hand it to her, saying, "The Secretariat sent this after transcribing the Northern Frontier's state letter. You haven't seen it yet."
Meng Tinghui carefully accepted it but didn't dare read it immediately, instead glancing sideways at Fang Kai, fearing Jiang Ping might be acting on a whim by showing her something beyond her clearance.
Fang Kai nodded slightly without hesitation. "Take a quick look. Just now, a messenger from the Forbidden Palace announced that His Majesty will come to the Privy Council to discuss matters after nightfall."
Seizing the moment, Jiang Ping interjected with a cold snort, "Fortunately, the Emperor is coming here. If it were like last night, summoning all Important Officials from both departments for an audience, I'd definitely claim illness and beg off!"
Although she had long known the two departments were at odds, this was the first time she truly felt Jiang Ping's contempt and dissatisfaction toward the old ministers of the Hall of State Affairs.
Knowing well that too much talk leads to mistakes, she turned to find a seat, sat down, and quickly began reading the memorial in her hand.
The lengthy transcript of the state letter contained matters she had never encountered before, making the reading quite challenging.
References to "brotherly relations," "rites of reconciliation," "troop reductions along both borders," "reduction of annual tributes," "cross-border trade"... each item confused her further, leaving her utterly puzzled about the Northern Frontier's true intentions.
Before she could finish, Jiang Ping stood up and strode over, bluntly asking her, "Meng lass, tell me—should we beat that dog emperor of the Northern Frontier?"
Meng Tinghui was taken aback and countered, "Why should we fight?"
Jiang Ping's thick, calloused finger jabbed at the inked characters on the inner page of the memorial, forcefully tapping them. "That bastard Xiang Deqian sends envoys to our court audaciously calling himself 'brother' instead of 'subject'! What nonsense about 'rites of reconciliation between two nations'—has he forgotten how his father knelt in surrender and pledged allegiance? Our Great Ping Emperor is the Son of Heaven, supreme even to imperial princes who must submit memorials as subjects. How dare Xiang Deqian overstep in a state letter by calling himself 'brother'? What a damned bastard!"
She felt somewhat stunned upon hearing this and lowered her eyes to look at the memorial again.
While reading earlier, she had thought the Northern Frontier showed sincere goodwill, never realizing such significant nuances lay within. Only then did she understand these veteran generals of the Privy Council were far from mere rough soldiers—they were seasoned ministers deeply knowledgeable in state and military affairs.
Fang Kai, hearing his stream of crude language, frowned and pulled at him, rebuking, "His Majesty hasn't spoken yet. Don't curse recklessly based on your own temper."
Jiang Ping glared, snorted coldly a few times, and fumed, "The Northern Frontier even dares to demand reduced annual tributes? When Xiang Wan surrendered, the capitulation treaty stipulated annual tribute of a hundred thousand in coin and silk—that was already exceptional grace from the late Emperor and Prince Ping! Now that our new Emperor has ascended the throne, how dare Xiang Deqian push his luck, reducing the tribute to thirty thousand?! Tributes? Tributes to his dog-born mother! How can the vast wealth of our Great Ping be his for the taking?"Fang Kai listened, his face darkening with clear displeasure at the requests in the Northern Frontier's state letter. However, as the Chief of the Privy Council, he couldn't voice his anger as openly as Jiang Ping did.
Jiang Ping turned and scanned the room, then snorted, "If you ask me, we should have Di Nian reorganize the three northern armies this time, march them straight to the Northern Frontier's gates, and ask that Xiang Deqian if he even knows what shame is! Does he think the Emperor is newly enthroned and unstable, easy to bully?!"
The room fell into a cold silence, no one uttering a word.
After a long pause, Fang Kai gave a cold laugh and glared at Jiang Ping, "You can only say such things among us comrades. If you were in the grand hall, I doubt you'd dare utter a single word! Never mind those in the Secretariat who always advocate peace over war—just think of the Emperor himself. Would he ever be willing to send troops to the Northern Frontier? When the Emperor arrives shortly, remember to watch your tongue and avoid provoking his wrath!"
She couldn't help but frown slightly.
She had always known the Emperor had grand ambitions, and since entering court, she had assumed his intentions lay in launching a campaign against the Northern Frontier. But hearing these veteran Privy Council officials speak, it seemed she had misunderstood all along.
Attempting a smile, she probed Fang Kai, "So, you're saying the Emperor is actually reluctant to engage in further military campaigns? I had thought he aimed to conquer the Northern Frontier and nearly misspoke..."
Fang Kai glanced at her, "What do you think Di Nian's mission to the northern border is, to reorganize the three Imperial Army routes? He's there on imperial orders to reduce troop numbers! If there's anyone in the kingdom least inclined to wage large-scale war, it's undoubtedly the Emperor!"
Meng Tinghui was stunned. She had assumed Di Nian's northern assignment was to deploy troops and arrange formations, but it turned out he was there to disband Imperial Army units!
Yet, upon reflection, given the Emperor's temperament, this wasn't entirely surprising.
After the previous emperor and Prince Ping unified the four kingdoms, to prevent unrest in the surrendered territories, the Imperial Army and regional troops had only increased, never decreased. Over the years, military affairs had become bloated and chaotic, with the military provisions alone causing no small trouble for the three central government offices.
Consider the Wang Qi case—didn't it start with the monthly pay issues at the Qing Province camp? And the Willow Banner Imperial Guards' mutiny—wasn't that triggered by the Chaoan North Circuit Transportation Office's attempt to reduce their provisions?
Moreover, the northern border Imperial Army routes were overstaffed. Take the Chaoan route alone, with its eight consecutive military strongholds—not all soldiers were elite and robust; many were likely unqualified fillers. Reorganizing and reducing the three routes was the right move.
She slowly lowered her gaze, annoyed with herself for misunderstanding him for so long.
If he aimed to nurture the people, he naturally needed to lighten their tax burdens. The profits from northern border trade could be used to reclaim wasteland and purchase land, providing homes and livelihoods for the demobilized Imperial Army soldiers.
His personal inspection of dozens of northern strongholds back then must have been part of this plan. His anger over the lax strongholds wasn't due to a desire to attack the Northern Frontier but stemmed from concerns that after troop reductions, the northern border might not remain as impregnable as before.
She had assumed he would follow in his father's footsteps, believing that only conquest and expansion could solidify imperial authority. But his heart lay with the realm—how could he be someone obsessed with militarism and aggression?She had presumptuously claimed to understand him, yet now had to rely on others' words to discern his thoughts—truly shameful beyond measure.
Thus, the various requests in Northern Frontier's current diplomatic missive presented a genuine dilemma for the Emperor and the two governing councils.
If they rejected these demands, who could guarantee Northern Frontier wouldn't provoke incidents along the border? Yet if they acquiesced, where would the Great Peace's national prestige remain?
As these thoughts churned, her heart felt gnawed by insects, and she found Northern Frontier's Emperor Xiang Deqian truly detestable.
"I simply cannot swallow this grievance!" Jiang Ping exclaimed, shaking his sleeves in frustration. "Why don't we strongly advise His Majesty tonight to launch a full-scale military campaign? Perhaps within a year or so we could breach their capital and force Xiang Deqian to kneel outside the palace in mourning attire, calling us grandfathers..."
Fang Kai immediately interrupted him: "The Northern Frontier has long benefited from naturally defensible borders that make them hard to attack. Over these past twenty years, they've been conserving strength and training troops—how can we possibly underestimate them! Our Great Ping dynasty emerged from the fires of war among four states, and the people have only recently begun to recover. How can we let generals seeking fame and merit lead our citizens to blood-soaked fields? Moreover, the territories south of the northern border were originally surrendered from Zhongwan. If major warfare breaks out in the north, who's to say those surrendered subjects won't seize the opportunity to rebel?"
This reasoning was sound, and Meng Tinghui silently nodded in agreement. Given the Northern Frontier's current national strength, even sending troops wouldn't guarantee victory. And even if we won, how many soldiers and common people would pay with their lives...
Fang Kai paused briefly before continuing in a lower voice: "Regarding this matter, His Majesty has considered it thoroughly. You must not use the same methods you employed to speculate about Prince Ping's intentions to speculate about His Majesty. There are significant differences between His Majesty and Prince Ping."
"General Fang speaks wisely," Privy Council member An Maolin nodded in agreement, then said to Jiang Ping: "General Jiang, don't be impatient. When we see His Majesty later, we can first sound out his thoughts."
Just as Jiang Ping frowned to respond, the door creaked open from outside. A Junior Palace Attendant peered in, looking at the assembled group: "Well now, what important matters are you generals discussing? You didn't even hear my announcement, nor come out to welcome the imperial carriage?"
Everyone immediately rose, Meng Tinghui hastily standing up as well.
Before anyone could step out, the Junior Palace Attendant pushed the door fully open and stepped aside respectfully. Ying Gua entered the room amid the cold glow of the night's snowfall.
Those inside immediately bowed their heads, greeting: "Your Majesty."
Fang Kai stepped forward two paces, apologizing respectfully: "Your Majesty, please forgive our delayed welcome."
Ying Gua slowly scanned all present before removing his snow-covered cloak and handing it to the Junior Palace Attendant. "It matters not. The heavy snow tonight made me reluctant to summon you to court and subject you to this bitter wind and snow."
The Junior Palace Attendant carefully closed the door, brought a chair to the table, poured a cup of hot tea, then silently retreated to stand in the corner.
Ying Gua sat upright, gesturing for others to be seated as well, and came straight to the point: "I came here after consulting with the Secretariat." Noting the changed expressions on the veteran generals' faces, he gave them no opportunity to speak before continuing: "The Secretariat agrees to reject the Northern Frontier's request. But I want to ask you—if we do this, how should we handle the Imperial Army troops along the northern border?"
With Di Nian having just departed, this matter arising in the capital truly made decisions difficult.
If we reject the Northern Frontier's request, we cannot significantly reduce northern border troops to prevent them from causing trouble; yet this means the court's burden won't be lightened either. Either way, the Northern Frontier gains advantage.
Fang Kai and others were clearly both surprised and pleased about the Secretariat agreeing to reject the Northern Frontier's request, but no one spoke immediately, all frowning in deep thought, trying to conceive a perfect strategy.
Meng Tinghui, being new to military affairs, dared not speak carelessly on such important matters, so she quietly retreated to a side table and silently began grinding ink.Ying Gua saw that no one responded, his brow slightly furrowed as he said, "I intend to grant half of their requests."
Everyone was startled, and even Meng Tinghui's hand paused in its motion.
His expression darkened slightly as he continued, "Grant their request for joint oversight of border troops, but deny their request to reestablish alliances with enemy-state diplomatic formalities. Grant their request for reduced annual tributes, but deny their request for fraternal titles."
Fang Kai frowned, "This..."
But he couldn't continue.
Everyone present knew this was actually the optimal strategy. Though it conceded slightly to the Northern Frontier and reduced tens of thousands in annual tribute, the Great Peace could still benefit from mutual trade, the northern border troop reduction could proceed accordingly, and national prestige would remain undiminished.
Jiang Ping couldn't help speaking up from the back, "Your Majesty's plan is comprehensive, but what if the Northern Frontier shows wolfish ambition and breaks their word in the future?"
Ying Gua closed his eyes briefly, reopening them with a sharp gaze: "I came here tonight precisely to reestablish northern border troop reduction plans with you all. Given current circumstances, we must reduce previously planned troop cuts by half, rebuild several major strongholds, and coordinate troop movements across three routes cannot be avoided."
All present wore solemn expressions, listening carefully.
He added, "This way, while we reduce troops per agreement, we can guard against sudden changes in the northern border. Troop reductions on eastern and western fronts will be temporarily suspended - if changes occur, we can quickly deploy troops north from these nearby routes."
These plans were clearly well-considered, and no one present objected.
He turned coldly sideways and commanded, "Bring the map."
Someone immediately presented a map. He stood up, long arm sweeping open a massive military stronghold defense strategy chart across the table.
Meng Tinghui quietly approached, placing prepared ink on the table and handing him a brush.
He glanced at her imperceptibly, accepting the purple-haired brush from her hand with natural ease before dipping it in ink and marking the northeast corner of the map.
But their completely natural interaction made several people present exchange meaningful glances.
This was hardly how an emperor and subject should interact.
It differed little from how the previous emperor and Prince Ping had behaved together.
Ink splattered as he poised his wrist, swiftly marking Qing, Qing, Jin, Jun, Guang, Fen, Chen, and Ming provinces: "Station heavy defenses in these eight provinces, reduce troops in other strongholds as previously planned."
Though numerous strongholds lined the northern border, these eight were the most crucial.
He then traced Mount Min in northwest Chao'an and Li River north of Linhuai: "Build new camps in these two locations."
Fang Kai remarked from the side, "Building south of Mount Min might alert the Northern Frontier."
Ying Gua pressed his thin lips firmly, frowning: "It must be built. Otherwise, if emergencies arise, these two locations would be difficult to secure."
Jiang Ping stiffly examined the marked locations on the map, pointing: "Your Majesty, though Ji and Qian provinces aren't border regions, we cannot neglect conquered territories - they require simultaneous protection."
Ying Gua nodded, "Add those two provinces. The original northern border three-route Imperial Army totals 183,000 cavalry and infantry. Order Di Nian to first reduce to 120,000 - 80,000 stationed across these ten provinces, one mountain, and one river marked on the map, the remaining 40,000 dispersed among other strongholds."
Fang Kai whispered with An Maolin before saying, "Your Majesty, why not wait until the New Year court assembly to determine the Northern Frontier's actual troop reduction intentions before deciding our northern garrison numbers?""This may be too late." Ying Gua shook his head, his brow tightening further. "The Privy Council must dispatch the documents to the Northern Frontier tonight to inform Di Nian of this proposal. Additionally, have the garrison commanders along the border urgently deploy Scout Cavalry to monitor Northern Frontier's recent movements. Any reports must be submitted immediately."
A group of officials gathered around the long table, discussing matters with grave urgency. She stood to the side, listening carefully to their words while quietly observing his stern, focused demeanor.
He possessed a natural commanding presence—his brush tip like a sword's edge, his wrist movements conjuring phantom legions across the map. The advancing formations flowed like dark ink, converging precisely where he indicated the Military Strongholds.
Had he not personally inspected those dozens of Military Strongholds in the Northern Frontier years ago, he could never strategize with such swift decisiveness now—not even veteran Privy Council generals could question his proposals.
Only through firsthand experience could one determine matters of national significance.
She sighed softly.
Beneath his restrained exterior lay a fiercely courageous spirit. Though capable of leading armies and commanding thousands, he would never willingly let the common people suffer.
How similar he was to his arrogant father—yet how profoundly different.
When the military restructuring was finalized, Ying Gua added after contemplation: "After Di Nian completes his mission, the Privy Council need not recall him to the capital immediately. Let him remain stationed in the Northern Frontier to oversee affairs. Military matters from the three routes shall be reported to the Privy Council, with directives issued to Di Nian."
The officials showed faint surprise. An Maolin was first to voice concern: "Your Majesty, Di Nian is new to frontier command. Granting him such authority—is this not premature?"
Ying Gua shook his head. "Coordinating three military routes and reorganizing defenses exceeds a single route commander's capacity. As former Deputy Commander of the Palace Guard, Di Nian can command respect from frontier generals. This is preferable to sending another general from the capital, which might arouse Northern Frontier's suspicion."
Pausing, he glanced meaningfully at Fang Kai: "The late Duke Wu achieved battlefield fame across five kingdoms at merely twenty. Generals aren't forged without tempering. Since Di Nian earned respect in the capital's Imperial Army, he'll likely prove no less capable in the Northern Frontier."
Fang Kai's expression darkened momentarily before he finally nodded. "Your Majesty speaks wisely. I trust Di Nian will honor both your grace and his family name."
Ying Gua tossed his brush aside and leaned back, his gaze searching until it found Meng Tinghui in the corner. His expression softened. "The Privy Council documents must reach the Northern Frontier tonight. Remain at the ministry with the chief drafters to prepare them before returning home."
She bowed in acknowledgment. "As Your Majesty commands."
Though she couldn't contribute to military decisions, drafting documents was within her capabilities.
His gaze lingered, sweeping over her repeatedly as if he had something to say, but the crowded room prevented further words.
A Junior Palace Attendant waiting nearby approached with a cloak, murmuring: "Your Majesty, officials from the Secretariat await your decision regarding court assembly protocols in the Hall of Profound Thought."
Ying Gua stood and donned the cloak, addressing the room: "Your dedication these coming days will be remembered. When northern affairs conclude, rewards and promotions shall follow."
All bowed in humble acknowledgment.
Only after he turned to leave did she dare raise her eyes to his retreating figure.
In the vast night, his black feathered cloak vanished into the darkness, leaving only his footprints in the luminous snow—a long trail of lantern light framing his increasingly upright silhouette.Before she could get her fill of the view, the door was firmly shut behind her. Someone remarked from the rear, "I forgot to advise His Majesty earlier that he should use the imperial carriage in such heavy snow..."
Maintaining a facade in front of a room full of people was no easy task. She immediately turned around, head bowed, and carried the writing tools inside. Only when Vice Chief of the Privy Council Feng Wulong brought over the hastily noted records did she sit down and begin drafting the matters resolved during the night's discussions one by one.
Although working at the Privy Council was more comfortable than her previous post, she was still new to military affairs and had much to learn. Her inability to be of real help to him in crucial moments left her feeling frustrated and somewhat annoyed.
By the time the memorandums were drafted and dispatched, it was nearly midnight.
Several senior generals were still conferring up front, apparently planning to stay overnight in the compound.
After bidding farewell to the two Vice Chiefs, Meng Tinghui went to find Jiang Ping. Hesitating behind him for a moment, she finally called out, "General Jiang." When he turned, she added softly, "Might I borrow the military defense memorandums from the northern circuits in recent years?"
Jiang Ping replied, "It's late tonight. You should rest early and look at these things tomorrow morning."
Meng Tinghui pressed her lips together, lowering her eyes. "This official cannot wait until morning. I wish to read them tonight."
Jiang Ping raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "You stubborn girl!"
She stood her ground and continued, "I am ashamed to hold a position in the Privy Council yet be of little help to His Majesty and the generals. How could I sleep peacefully knowing I have failed the emperor's favor? With the New Year's grand assembly approaching, how can I face attending court when I don't even understand northern border military affairs?"
Jiang Ping chuckled helplessly and summoned someone to fetch several dozen military-related memorandums from the northern borders over the years. He then said to Meng Tinghui, "Girl Meng, don't be so hard on yourself. Not understanding military matters now is no great fault. Think about it—before the late emperor personally led campaigns, did he know anything about troop formations? It was only when he joined forces with Prince Ping that he gradually grasped these things! I noticed how reserved you were standing over there earlier and wanted to tell you: don't fear that your lack of understanding will disappoint His Majesty. Since the emperor placed you in the Privy Council, it means he values you. There will be time for you to learn!"
Meng Tinghui flushed bright red at his words.
She had come to borrow memorandums—how did it end up circling back to her personal relationship with the emperor? Jiang Ping's completely matter-of-fact tone only deepened her embarrassment. Mumbling a few acknowledgments, she quickly took the documents when they arrived and retreated to a corner to study them carefully.
OpenNovel